Brand Name vs. Generic Name

A brand name refers to the proprietary name given by a pharmaceutical company to a specific medication they've developed, often associated with a recognizable marketing identity (e.g., Tylenol). A generic name, on the other hand, is the standard scientific name for the active ingredient of the drug (e.g., acetaminophen). Once the original patent expires, other manufacturers can produce the medication under its generic name, typically at a lower cost. Both versions contain the same active ingredient and are equally effective, but brand names are usually more expensive due to branding and marketing.